The Alshabab militia carried out a complex attack in Buulo Mareer, a town in the Lower Shabelle region about 120 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu. In a statement, ATMIS confirmed the incident, stating that the terrorists used VBIEDs and suicide bombers in the attack.
According to media reports and other independent accounts, Al-Shabaab militia gained access to the ATMIS Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Buulo Mareer after a series of well-coordinated explosions. The installation hosts Ugandan forces who are part of African Union forces stationed in Somalia.
In the statement, ATMIS gave only a few details and made no mention of any casualties. They stated that they were able to protect the base and destroy weapons of the Al-Shabaab militia who were “withdrawing.”
Al Shabab, for their side, claimed to have killed 137 soldiers and taken control of the significant base. The group also released a series of photos they claimed were from the base, which depicted the horrifying scenes of military trucks and tanks engulfed in flames.
The attacks come after the President recently claimed that ATMIS forces had remained confined to their military bases rather than actively assisting the Somali National Army and local militias on the ground.
Contrary to what the President states, ATMIS, formerly known as AMISOM, has engaged in multiple battles with insurgents, resulting in a large number of casualties.
Many Somalis and other stakeholders noted that the President ignored ATMIS force sacrifices for the Somali people.
It is estimated that African Union mission is world’s deadliest peacekeeping operation, according to recent report, over 6,000 soldiers lost their lives.
The attack on ATMIS today, at a base over 100 kilometers from Mogadishu, demonstrates ATMIS role in securing Mogadishu from Al Shabab.
In the Statement today, ATMIS appears to have responded to the President’s recent accusations, they noted that the force reiterates its unwavering commitment to the battle against terrorism.
ATMIS pledge to continue to work with the Somali government and international allies to protect Somalia from Al-Shabaab and other armed groups.
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